Stage actors with little to no social media

Forgive me if this has already been discussed, but I couldn't find a thread on it.

I stumbled across a (semi) recent thread called "Social Media Friendly Actors" and it made me think about actors with little to no social media presence. We've been talking about how social media has affected fandoms and stage door, so is there something to be said for creating distance between oneself and the fans by limiting social media usage or does it do more harm than good to an actor's career? I think a lot of young actors are taught that social media is a must, but what are some examples of stage actors who successfully avoid social media? And what are your thoughts on stage actors on social media?

Updated On: 11/17/18 at 12:26 AM

Sondheimite said: "Most of the true greats.

Ever notices that 99.99 of artistwho aretruly top of their field don'tbother with social media?"

I'm wondering if we'll see a change in this analysis soon. I agree with this assessment, and the same goes with Hollywood actors, but will there come a time when people who don't partake in social media seem idiotic or like they can't get with it, or will there always be this esteem around remaining more private?

I agree, the truly great ones are not on social media. This makes them stand out from the crowd. This is why they are actually on a pedestal while most others are frantically swallowed by the big attention seeking swarm, trying to get noticed. It has to do with some kind of mystery, an unreachable status, an appeal to the imagination, which is essential for a true star.

I always compare it to the difference between the great Hollywood actors from the golden age and the current fleeting reality "stars" such as people from big brother or the Kardashians. Of course there was no social media back then, but the real difference lies in what is shown. The latter might be considered "hip" by some, but there is a group of people who take their craft seriously and do not want to be seen like that. They do not want to make their private life a fleeting reality show. They don't see posing as if their private life is perfect and collecting likes on the next great picture and gaining attention from that as an achievement, they see an actual project as an achievement and keep the rest secret. Ultimately, I think, they are taken much more seriously.

Updated On: 11/17/18 at 05:53 AM

adamgreer said: "Elaine Stritch didn’t, either. Someone asked her about it in an interview and she very Stritchily responded, “I don’t have twitter or shmitter.”"

Elaine did for a bit towards the end of her life, she rarely used it though.

I always wish Jon Groff had an insta or something.

some big stars that come to mind that don’t have twitter are Eddie Redmayne, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.

slightly OT but most big music stars use twitter very sparingly; beyonce has tweeted about 10 times in her life, adele also does it only once every few months.

ljay889 said: "The Elaine Stritch Twitter (which is still up) only had a few tweets, mainly to promote her documentary. The tweets were clearly not posted by her, and I believe she may have even confirmed in an interview that she didn’t do the tweeting. "

Thanks, that’s what I had always thought.

"I think a lot of young actors are taught that social media is a must, but what are some examples of stage actors who successfully avoid social media?"

"I think I remember Kelli O’Hara saying in an interview that a show she was in, maybe Bridges, pressured her to get on Twitter"

It is becoming common for actors to be pressured to promote shows on social media. Many, like Ms O'Hara, have to power to refuse. Many of the younger ones either don't or enjoy the attention.

Elegance101 said: "Sondheimite said: "Most of the true greats.

Ever notices that 99.99 of artistwho aretruly top of their field don'tbother with social media?"

I'm wondering if we'll see a change in this analysis soon. I agree with this assessment, and the same goes with Hollywood actors, but will there come a time when people who don't partake in social media seem idiotic or like they can't get with it, or will there always be this esteem around remaining more private?"

This is an interesting and delicate thing, social media...I've found many, if not most, of the greats indeed don't have one, BUT a good many of them were already at the top anyway because they're of an older generation, when the social media revolution came a-crashing around us all. Some gave in and got some social medias of course. While I 1000% agree, having a social media presence has nothing whatsoever to do with being an artist, sadly the lines have become VERY blurred. It's how people have gotten jobs and when 'time is money" in this business, whoever has an Internet presence and materials to view, it's them who gets the job over someone who has no presence, no materials easily found, and must be brought in, in person which takes time and effort when push come to shove. Actors are always told to brand themselves, therefore an Internet presence has become part of that, therefore almost necessary for career success. It's how civilization has evolved and still continues to constantly evolve and in this case, not for the better. I do agree that they are two 180 degree different skills that have next to nothing to do with each other, but as it's been said, catch up or be left behind...I wish it weren't so, but human civilization evolves at and even faster pace than before. It's like anyone who doesn't have a computer or email. Yes these people still exist in 2018 believe or not, and at some point they'll go through a MAJOR case of Future Shock and discover that they won't be able to function with society at large. Fascinating yet terrifying.